Researcher - Comprehensive Cancer Center

About the lab:The Blair lab focuses on novel immunotherapeutics for pancreatic adenocarcinoma with a particular interest in innate immunity, STING signaling, synergistic effects of radiation and the plasticity of tumor stroma. We focus on rational combinations of agents that target the tumor microenvironment to increase effector immune cell infiltration and tumor-eradicating function. The lab focuses on preclinical mouse models, but supplements this with in vitro cell work to understand changes in signaling and expression, as well as analysis of treated human tissue from clinical trials leveraging our robust tissue biobank. Our current projects center around leveraging a novel nanoparticle agent that targets the STING pathway to up regulate an otherwise dampened immune response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Long term goals are to expand the clinical trial opportunities at The Ohio State University Medical Center.

We are searching for a senior researcher to design, execute and manage research projects investigating the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer in a basic and translational biological/health science research laboratory in the Department of Surgery and Division of Surgical Oncology, functioning as a specialist or technical expert in immunology and/or cancer biology. They will collaborate with Principal Investigator (PI) to develop, manage and implement research projects; plans, designs, and conduct complex amp; advanced research; plan and execute advanced molecular biological and biochemical procedures specializing amp; providing technical expertise in immunology and cancer cell molecular biology; extract, analyze amp; evaluate experimental data; develop and implement new or revised research methods; assists PI in research amp; development efforts of new research projects; works closely with PI to determine and develop goals of projects; develops and establishes criteria amp; research standards to meet goals of research projects; plans and writes manuscripts, articles, abstracts and research reports for publication in scientific journals; attends and presents research results at national and international scientific conferences and workshops; actively contributes to developing, writing, editing and critiquing research grant proposals; investigates potential sources of funding and makes recommendations to principal investigators; participates in developing and establishing working relationships with current amp; potential sponsors of research; oversees appropriate maintenance of all laboratory equipment; oversees and initiates procurement of lab supplies and equipment, negotiates and oversees equipment service contracts and repairs; participates in developing and implementing laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Safety Manual; monitors, oversees amp; ensures compliance to local, state and federal laboratory health and safety rules, regulations and guidelines; provides training of research staff in executing new research methods; serves as a consultant to other investigators in area of expertise.

A successful candidate will be driven, creative and team-oriented. We are seeking individuals who are an efficient experimentalist, able to lead an interdisciplinary research project, and be a good lab and team member. Effective communication skills are required.

Duties Include:

• Conceptualizes, designs and executes complex laboratory experiments
• Plans and executes advanced molecular and cellular techniques: including transcriptomics, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, immune cell isolation and functional analysis
• Plans, coordinates and oversees processing and analysis of data
• Analyzes and interprets research data
• Develops and implements new and/or revised research methodology and techniques
• Plans and tests experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods
• Develops and establishes research controls, criteria and standards
• Performs critical analysis of literature relevant to research
• Collaborates with principal investigator to write and prepare research papers and manuscripts for publication and presentation at national and conferences and workshops, and in the writing of project reports, articles and other documents
• Attends and presents research results at national and international scientific conferences, workshops and seminars
• Assists with development, writing and preparation of grant proposals to obtain new or renewal of extramural funding in support of research
• Investigates, identifies and recommends possible sources of research funding
• Participates in developing and managing grant budgets
• Monitors expenses
• Monitors and enforces laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, as well as local, state and federal regulations, including proper disposal and maintenance of regulated materials; trains and/or supervises research staff
• Manages daily operations of the laboratory
• Oversees and initiates procurement of lab supplies and equipment
• Provides technical assistance and supervision of equipment
• Negotiates and oversees equipment service contracts and repairs.
  

Preferred Skills and expertise:

• Flow cytometry
• Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry
• Animal husbandry
• Familiarity or teachability for murine techniques commonly used in our lab include subcutaneous tumor models, surgical orthotopic pancreatic implantation, guided small animal irradiation, ultrasound assessment of pancreatic tumor volume, ultrasound guided tumor injection
• Familiarity or teachability for animal necropsy, tissue processing and down-stream applications of treated tissue: cell isolation, western blot, RTPCR, IHC, ELISA, etc.

Required Qualifications

Masters Degree in biology, biological sciences or related field required, PhD strongly preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required; 3 years relevant experience in a biological/health science research capacity required, 5-6 years experience strongly preferred. Knowledge and expertise in immunology or cancer cell molecular biology required. Experience in a progressively responsible administrative capacity preferred; extensive experience planning amp; developing projects preferred.

Function: Research and Scholarship

Sub Function: Research

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Career Level: S3